HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Hope everyone had a safe and wonderful holiday season, and that your 2023 is already off to a great start. We’re going to get off to a great start here at Pedal of the Day as well, bringing you some dynamic effects units to start off the year. Recently released, the Moog Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins are faithful recreations of the classic, big box Moogerfooger effect lineup, which has been discontinued for...
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The Univibe has produced a unique and classic sound for 5 decades now, and while the original units are expensive and require a lot of maintenance, we’re lucky enough to know some folks who build killer modern versions. The one we’ve got for you today is the RFO Electronics Real Vibe Chorus Vibrato, a great-looking and gorgeous-sounding vibrato and chorus pedal that gives you all the goods from the vintage units, and more....
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Boost pedals have slowly become an essential part of every pedalboard we build, and when they’re combined with an excellent Overdrive, it’s a hard combo to beat. The RFO Electronics Tone Star Custom Overdrive/Boost Combo is a dual workhorse, smashing a wicked drive circuit into an enclosure with a powerful, tasty boost, along with some fun switching options and overall tonal bliss. Fasten those seatbelts, here we go…...
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Moog. You’ve heard the name for decades now, and, if you’re lucky, have had the pleasure of testing out or even owning some of their gear. One of the most sought-after and incredible effects they made was the Moogerfooger MF-104M, an analog delay considered by many to be the finest ever created. This delay delivers tone upon tone, echo options for days and will bring inspiration to anyone who gets a chance to plug one in....
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Where to even begin with a pedal like this? While Moog is known for their incredible synths and revolutionary sonic invention, we here at Pedal of the Day are much more familiar with their line of Moogerfooger® effects pedals. Having checked out the 12-Stage Phaser, Ring Modulator, MuRF and Analog Delay so far, the next logical step was the MF-107 FreqBox®…for which we were overwhelmingly unprepared. The FreqBox® is a little...
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What happens when a company runs out of an important piece of the sonic puzzle that has been used in manufacturing one of their most popular pedals? The price of the ones already in existence goes through the roof, which happens to be the case with today’s pedal, the absolutely fantastic Moogerfooger MF-104M Delay, the final pedal of our “Moog Week” run here at Pedal of the Day. This all-analog delay is no longer in...
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The pedal we’ve got for Day Four here during “Moog Week” can’t really be put into any specific category, so we’ve decided to lump it into the super-generic and genre-jumping Filters category, as there was really no other place to put it. The MF-105 MuRF is a “Multiple Resonance Filter Array”, meaning it has 8 warm and resonant filters, which are controlled by 8 sliders. These sliders, coupled...
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Day Three of “Moog Week” is upon us, and this one is a mammoth. The beauty of ring modulators is that they are unpredictable at best. Especially when you’ve got one like today’s pedal, the MF-102 Ring Mod from Moog – this thing has got so many controls and such big ranges on each, it’s easy to get blissfully lost in a sonic wash that overtakes your amp, ears and anything else that might be within...
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Our second entry for “Moog Week” brings us into spacey, trippy, sci-fi territory, a place we love to be. Boldly going where no phaser has gone before (hehe), the MF-103 12-Stage from Moog represents everything that you’ve always wanted in a phaser pedal, but didn’t even know existed. Featuring Moog’s signature array of controls, sounds and available customization to each pedal, this MF-103 will leave you...
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I bought a Moogerfooger MF-103 12-Stage Phaser back in the mid-2000s, and for some dumb reason, decided to sell it (I think I was short on rent). Regardless of why, I have been missing that void in my musical life for a decade…until a week ago, when another one arrived on my doorstep (complete with expression pedal this time). This phaser is just incredible, as are most toys from Moog, and I had as much fun rediscovering this...
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Vintage in style, the Bearfoot Fx Honey Beest roars and growls in an amp-like manner. This pedal may literally be confused with a good amp’s gain channel. On vintage amps it keeps everything you love about your amp and makes it better. Don’t have a vintage styled amp? Well, use this effect to get a really nice classic vibe from any amp. One of the best lead tones I’ve heard from a stompbox and one of the amp-like....
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The Arctic White Fuzz from Bearfoot FX is a highly approachable fuzz, able to get as dirty and gritty as you want, but never too over-the-top and out-of-control, like some other types of fuzz can do. Volume, Tone and Fuzz control knobs are easily adjustable to suit your tonal needs, with a nice range of sounds available in a small layout and enclosure, perfect for saving space on a pedalboard. The Arctic White Fuzz plays well with...
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We all tend to sometimes overlook pedals that don’t make SOUND, but often those are the ones that add the most to our rig. Today’s pedal is of the Expression variety, and presents a new, unique way to control the effects on your board. A kind of 2-in-1 expression and switcher, come along as we check out the Hotone Ampero II Press Expression Pedal… Ampero II Press adds a switching function on top of its expression...
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If you know even the slightest bit about effects pedals, and you know what reverb is, there’s a 99% chance you’ve heard of the Strymon BigSky Reverberator. One of the most popular reverb pedals ever created, it set a new bar across the board for how reverb could sound. Today, we’re so stoked to bring you Strymon’s brand new take on this pedal, the BigSky MX – the new pinnacle of what a reverb pedal can be...
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After being pretty blown away by the Orbital Pitch Shifter and NovaDrift Modulation pedals from ALABS Audio, we were excited to check out the next pedal in their Adam Adventure Series, which happens to come from our favorite effect genre. The TimeSlip Stereo Delay features loads of echo modes, options and exploration into all things delay, with a wide stereo field to engulf your audience. Lots of knobs and switches here, let’s...
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A good pedal with distortion mixed into some fuzz is always a welcome treat here at Pedal of the Day, and we’ve got a real wicked scorcher for you all today. The Cosmodio Instruments Pet Yeti Distortion Fuzz has elements of both of these musical genres, but with some additional tweakability and sonic prowess. If you like to turn knobs, flip switches and make a beautiful racket, this pedal is just what you’re after…...
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Today’s slice of gear doesn’t really make your signal distort, or repeat, or sound extra modulated or weird, but it is an important piece of your sonic puzzle. The B-8 Professional Wireless System from NUX lets you roam freely around the studio, stage or practice spot without losing any signal strength. It also has a couple additions and tricks up its sleeve that we need to talk about, so let’s get right to it…...
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Multi-effects are never boring, let’s face it – usually loaded with a bunch of different effects and fun presets to explore, you can get lost pretty easily in one of these types of machines. That is an giant understatement when talking about today’s pedal, the ENDORPHIN.ES GHOST Stereo Effects Processor. A collaboration with YouTuber and musical explorer Andrew Huang, this silver gem takes effects, signals, routing,...
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We’re taking a glance at our second effects unit from ALABS Audio today, and are really excited about all that this brand is capable of. The Orbital Pitch Shifter is a stereo digital pedal, offering 9 high-quality modulation effects. These include vibe, chorus, multi-chorus, phaser, filter, rotary, flanger, tremolo, and ring. Lots to get into here, let’s jump right in and see what this green gem is all about… Grab a...
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Here at Pedal of the Day, we love to support small companies, and when they’re local, that makes it even better. Today, we’re diving into the world of Asheville Guitar Pedals, whose newly-opened storefront is just 15 minutes down the road from us. The 308 Distortion is the first effect of theirs we’re checking out, and if it’s any indication, we’re going to enjoy these pedals for a long time to...
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Well, it’s been quite a while since we had a pedal from JPTR FX in the shop, and we are coming back to them today with a VENGEANCE. The Warlow Fuzz Monstrosity takes your favorite elements of classic Big Muff pedals, mixes in some ProCo RAT Distortion flavor and creates a unique, amp-crushing fuzz monster that is waiting to be unleashed. Plus, we got a limited pink color release, so it’s even cooler than you think…...
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Multi-effects units are always a blast to explore, and when they’re in Stereo, it’s even more fun. The ALABS Audio Orbital Pitch Shifter is a stereo digital pedal, offering a wide range of pitch-shifting effects, including Pitch Shifter, Octave, Micropitch, Harmonizer, Whammy Sound and more. Other features include Differential True Stereo mode, analog dry-through and two selectable Bypass modes, plus momentary operation...
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Today, we’re looking at the AmpRX Brown Box II Input Voltage Attenuator, an electrical unit that provides something often overlooked in the world of tube amplifiers: Correct Power. The basis for any signature world-class tone requires a consistent and dependable signal chain and for that, you need to start at the very beginning – powering your amplifier. The tone and performance of both vintage and modern tube amplifiers...
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One of the latest offerings from Universal Audio we’re looking at today is the UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor. This silver beauty delivers the same punchy, expressive tones of the world-renowned original 1176 Compressor, the reigning king of audio limiting, all within a compact stomp box. From the subtle squeeze of a single 1176 to the endless sustain of two units in parallel à la Lowell George or the compressed crunch of Led...
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It’s been a while since we had a pedal from Electronic Audio Experiments here in the office, but the wait was way more than worth it. The recently released Sending V2 Analog Delay improves on the well-received first version with a myriad of sonic options, vintage tones and some modern amenities not always found in an analog delay unit. There’s a lot do dig into here, so let’s get right to it… Sending is an...
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“Dirty in a good way!” Today’s pedal, the Analog Music Company SHSL (So High So Low) Filter & Preamp, is based on the high-pass/low-pass filter inspired by an MS-20 filter and a Moogerfooger preamp. This combination of two classic circuits yields some strange and wonderful tonal creations, getting super weird at times, but in the very best of ways. The control section is extremely sensitive as well, so...
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Last year’s LVX Modular Delay System from Meris was a real revelation is where effects pedals are headed, and we were all in on it. Today, we’re taking a peek at their newest creation, the MercuryX Modular Reverb System. The perfect companion to the LVX, this one incorporates reverb algorithms you might already know, adds in some new ones, and gives you a wide range of customization. This is a big one, folks, let’s...
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We’re always excited to test out new gear from our friends at Universal Audio, and they’ve just sent us their four newest UAFX creations! We’re going to start this run off with the Orion Tape Echo, which takes a vintage sonic dive into the Echoplex EP-III musical pool. Three modes, a ton of control and beautiful echoes surround this pedal, just as it will engulf your sound and your entire rig… Thanks to the...
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Let’s get right to it: we’ve got a completely different sonic animal than usual today, but one that has excited our musical brain for a couple weeks now. The NUX Optima Air Dual-Switch Acoustic Guitar Simulator takes your regular electric guitar signal and changes it into, well, an acoustic sound. With presets, an effects loop, complete customization and more, this is a pedal we never knew we needed… NUX Optima Air...
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We’re always stoked when a mysterious new pedal from our friends at Strymon shows up at the door, and we’re excited to help launch their latest creation today. The Ultraviolet Vintage Vibe provides three wonderful modes, three bias levels, stereo and MIDI connectivity and much, much more. Grab your headphones and get ready for a wild, modulated and unpredictable musical journey, kiddos… Grab an Ultraviolet from...
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There’s a good chance that when a pedal company teams up with a musical artist to create an effect, it’s gonna be a good one. Never has that been truer than today, as we take a look at the Artificial Blonde Vibrato, a collaboration between JHS Pedals and singer, songwriter and guitarist Madison Cunningham. Producing always-on tone-enhancement, or off-the-wall modulated, seasick warbles, this baby blue beauty has something...
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Compression has always been an effect I’ve gravitated towards, and I’m always on the lookout for new versions with differing options and tonal qualities. Today’s pedal is a compression lover’s dream, with five parameter controls and a wide spectrum of sounds from which you can easily create. The All-Pedal Galactavise Compressor not only has a great name, it will improve your overall sound quality, too…...
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After recently exploring the high-gain Fireman Distortion from our friends at NUX, today we’re getting into slightly different territory: Amp Modeling. The NGS-6 Amp Academy feature six legendary amp models, and the iconic TSAC-2K (WHITE-BOX algorithm) Amp Modeling offers you realistic amp feeling and fast playability response. Lots of knobs, switches and tones to get into, let’s go! Amp Academy features 6 legendary amp...
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We’re exploring the newest releases from our friends at Flamma today, continuing with the FC13 Analog Phaser. This little gem provides everything a guitarist could want from a Phaser effect pedal, compacted into three simple dials and switches. Let’s jump into these modulated waters and see what all the buzz in about, shall we? The tonal properties of the Analog Phaser can be determined through two control parameters....
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The crew at Flamma is at it again, recently releasing THREE new affordable but powerful pedals, and we’ve got the first one for you today. The FC12 Drum Machine comes from their compact series, but this green machine is big, bold and a whole lotta fun. Providing everything a guitarist needs to maintain a steady rhythm and jam to a backing track without needing external equipment, it’s instant inspiration right at your...
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It’s been a while since we had any gear from Maxon come through the office, but we’re excited today to check out their PAC-9 Pure Analog Chorus. This stereo pedal provides lush, vintage tones, along with some modern amenities to fit into any rig or setup. Modulation fans, rejoice – this is one smooooooth chorus effect… The first thing you’ll notice when you step on the PAC-9 is a beefy, full-bodied chorusing...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) The History of the Flanger By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. The Flanger guitar pedal has an interesting background that involves both science and a lot of luck! Like many guitar and music effects it stems from early experiments with...
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Last month, we had the distinct pleasure of checking out the wonderful and nostalgic Time Traveler Delay from Spürr Audio, a Back to the Future-inspired box that gave us all the feels (and sounded great). When we opened the box for today’s Spürr Audio pedal, the Wild Rat Distortion, we were greeted with a shock and almost dropped the box, as what appeared to be a real rat was lurking inside. After gathering ourselves and...
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Every version of the Ampero family of Amp Modelers and Effects Processors from our friends at Hotone Audio has come our way, and we’re exctied as always to bring you the latest version today. The Ampero MINI takes everything you know and love about these units and squishes them into a small, compact enclosure, perfect for any pedalboard or tabletop rig. And since there’s no compromise in sound quality or endless IRs,...
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Well, it’s that time once again…NEW STRYMON DAY!! We’re always proud to be part of their new releases, and today’s pedal is one that we can all enjoy…thoroughly. The Brig dBucket Delay takes Strymon’s now-classic Brigadier Delay and smashes it down into a compact form, first introduced with the amazing Cloudburst Ambient Reverb a couple months ago. Here’s some info from Strymon: “The...
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While most of our reviews are focused on the pedals themselves, we couldn’t hear the magical sounds they make without the aid of cables, and we’ve got a new release from Rock Stock Pedals in that department today. Their Solderless Patch Cable Kit gives you high performance and perfect customization to make your pedalboard look, feel and sound exactly the way you need it to. Let’s hear what Rock Stock has to say about...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) Can You Use Pedals to Help You Learn Guitar? By Mitch Wilson for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. Learning to play guitar can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. While mastering the basics of chords, scales, and technique is...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) Top Ten Iconic Guitar Pedal Effects Moments By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. There are so many guitar pedal moments to choose in songs, especially in hits starting in the 1980’s. Once pedals increased in popularity they became mixed...
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James Santiago Los Angeles, California Universal Audio https://www.uaudio.com/ How long have you been a musician? How did you get into it in the first place? I started playing guitar around 5 years old, and at around 15, I began working in professional working bands as musicians around town started asking me to play with them. I didn’t have a driver’s license back then, so I had to have my mom or other band members take me to band...
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Last month, we had the privilege to investigate the wonderful Raster 2 Digital Delay from Red Panda, and instantly fell in love with it. Today, we’re looking at a pedal that takes the delay effect genre and flips it completely upside down – the Particle 2 Granular Delay gives you aspects of echo, pitch shifting, reverse delay and much, much more. Lots to this one, we’d better dive right in!! Particle™ is a granular...
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We recently had the chance to check out one of the latest offerings from Sentimental Bob Electronics, the Tephra Distortion, and it was gloriously dirty and loud. Today, we take things down just a little bit and move into overdrive and boost territory, via the Albert Overdrive. If you’re in the hunt for an OCD-style drive with a TON of sonic options, this might be exactly what you need… The Overdrive section of Albert is...
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We first heard about pedal makers Vongon back in 2019, when we reviewed and demoed an amazing MIDI controller designed specifically for the Moog MF-104M Analog Delay. Most recently, we checked out their Ultrasheer, an incredible Pitch Vibrato and Reverb pedal that will stop you right in your musical tracks. Today, we’re checking out their latest piece of gear, the Polyphrase Stereo Echo with Infinite Feedback Loop – strap...
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Pedals that defy explanation or categorization are always some of our favorites, and today’s effect defies both in spades. The Boss SL-2 Slicer Audio Pattern Processor takes you on a wild ride from the moment you plug it in, unrelenting in its ability to astonish, inspire and bewilder. Taking your audio signal and morphing it in a thousand different ways, this little machine will flip your rig right on its…head. *Grab an...
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We’re excited today to be taking a bit of a detour from our regularly scheduled pedal reviews, and diving into a different type of medium. We love effects here at the shop, but music is also playing on a pretty consistent basis, and the folks at 1byone Audio sent over their H004 Hi-Fi Turntable with Speakers setup for us to check out. Needless to say, our small collection of vinyl is already growing after having this thing just...
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We’re happy to help launch today’s pedal to the world, even though aspects of it may be familiar to many of you out there. Taking IK Multimedia’s TONEX platform and allowing you to put it into pedal form, the TONEX Pedal features three footswitches, full EQ and parameter set, state-of-the-art modeling and sound quality and much, much more. Let’s dig in and see what this unit is all about, shall we? There are...
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